What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy and how can it help your child?
As a parent, watching your child struggle with overwhelming emotions, anxiety, or impulsive behaviour can be deeply distressing. You may feel unsure of how to help or where to turn.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to support children and adolescents in managing intense emotions, building healthy coping strategies, and improving relationships.
In this blog, we’ll explore what DBT therapy is, how it works, and why it’s often recommended by child neurologists for children facing emotional and behavioural challenges.
What is DBT therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a specialised form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that teaches children and adolescents how to manage strong emotions, improve relationships, and make healthier decisions—even during stressful or overwhelming moments.
Although DBT was initially created to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it has since been successfully adapted to support young individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy used for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to help children, teens, and adults who struggle with managing their emotions, behaviours, and relationships.
Over the years, DBT therapy has proven to be highly effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Self-harming behaviours
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
- Anger management
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders, particularly binge eating disorders and bulimia
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
These conditions often stem from intense emotional distress and unhelpful coping habits. DBT teaches healthier ways to handle difficult emotions—reducing harmful behaviours and improving overall emotional well-being.
How does Dialectical Behavior Therapy work?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy works by teaching children and adolescents practical skills to better understand and manage their emotions, cope with stress, and build stronger relationships.
The approach blends two important concepts: accepting emotions as they are and learning how to change unhelpful behaviours.
DBT therapy typically focuses on four key skill areas:
- Mindfulness – Helping children stay present in the moment while becoming more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
- Emotion regulation – Teaching strategies to understand, express, and manage intense emotions in a healthier way.
- Distress tolerance – Building the ability to stay calm and manage your emotions during stressful or difficult situations without reacting impulsively.
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Learning how to communicate needs clearly, set boundaries, and maintain positive relationships.
Therapy may be delivered in individual sessions, group skills training, or both, often with family involvement. With consistent practice, DBT empowers children to respond to challenges with confidence and emotional control—supporting both their mental and neurological development.
What are the benefits and effectiveness of DBT therapy?
DBT has become one of the most well-researched and widely used therapeutic approaches for managing emotional and behavioural challenges. Over the years, it has gained strong support from mental health professionals due to its proven clinical success.
To date, at least 15 major clinical trials have evaluated DBT. The results consistently show that DBT is effective in:
- Reducing self-harming behaviours
- Improving treatment engagement and consistency
- Shortening the duration of therapy needed
- Helping patients feel more in control and emotionally stable
- Decreasing the number of emotional or behavioural crises
When guided by a trained neurologist and supported by caregivers, DBT can be a powerful step toward long-term emotional resilience and well-being.
Visit Dr Arif Khan for Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Dubai
If your child is struggling with emotional regulation, impulsive behaviours, or challenges related to neurological or developmental conditions, DBT Therapy can be a transformative part of their care plan.
As a leading Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Arif Khan has dedicated his career to supporting children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders through personalised, evidence-based treatment. He is the founder of Neuropedia and Kids Neuro Clinic—the region’s first comprehensive children’s neuroscience center.
FAQ's
The length of DBT treatment can vary based on your child’s needs. Standard DBT programs typically last around 6 months to 1 year. Some children benefit from a shorter course, while others may continue longer for ongoing support. Your neurologist will guide you based on your child’s progress and goals.
Yes. DBT therapy was originally developed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and remains one of the most effective, evidence-based therapies for it. It helps reduce self-harm, emotional instability, and relationship difficulties—key features of BPD.
Absolutely. Group skills training is a core element of DBT. In these sessions, children or teens learn and practice emotional regulation, mindfulness, and relationship skills in a supportive group setting, often alongside individual therapy.
While there are DBT workbooks and online resources available, DBT is most effective when guided by a neurologist. Self-help materials can be helpful for learning the basics, but professional support ensures the therapy is personalised, safe, and structured—especially for children and adolescents.